Accessing Ease in Practice: Working with the Five Hindrances (Class), CC 4/2 - 4/30

with Keiryu Liên Shutt in the Buddha Hall at City Center

Five Thursdays: April 2 - 30, 2015 7:30 - 9 pm

For Zen students, a weed is a treasure. —Suzuki Roshi

Are you having difficulties in meditation? Obsessing on love or hate? Falling asleep, anxious, restless or agitated more often than calm while meditating? Doubting your practice, wondering whether it’s "right" for you or not?

The Five Hindrances are typical mind states which can impede development of concentration and mindfulness. In this class, we will explore classic and contemporary teachings on how to become aware of and work with these states, as well as cultivate their antidotes.

As this is a study and practice class, specific texts as well as meditation instructions will be presented which can be used to work with the hindrances in between classes.* Having the skills to be at ease in the midst of the hindrances will enrich your meditation, making it easier to bring the fruits of your practice into everyday life.

*As such, if you do not currently have an established practice, you are highly encouraged to first take the four-week Meditation Training course beginning on either January 2 or February 26, 2015.